Hi
Yes that's a very important point you make.
It's advisable to always wear gloves when metal detecting. I have used medical gloves but now use a pair
of thin strectchy ones, and I've also bought a pair of glazing gloves (they have the thumb and forefinger
cut off at the top) from Makro to wear when it gets colder.
Some of the things you can pick up from the soil are nasty. There's a bug linked to dog poo that can
be REALLY nasty/fatal. Even if you can't see the stuff it can still be present after rain has washed it away.
Even more important / VITAL is to cover up any cuts on the hands with plaster. I always carry plasters and
antiseptic stuff in the car. It's even a good idea to have it with you in the field.
I don't think there's anything like enough stress put on protecting yourself whilst detecting from soil germs.
One farmer told us he spread human waste fertiliser on his land!! Needless to say we didn't go on that field
I would worry about wiels disease (Leptospirosis).
Animals such as rats, pigs, cows and dogs can give it to you.
Prognosis
The symptoms of leptospirosis can vary widely from person to person. Some people with the condition can have no symptoms at all, although most will experience symptoms that are similar to influenza (flu).
An estimated five to 10% of people will experience the most serious form of leptospirosis, which is also known as Weil’s disease. Weil’s disease can cause:
•kidney failure,
•jaundice,
•shock,
•internal bleeding, and
•inflammation of the heart.
Leptospirosis can be treated using antibiotics. Hospital admission is usually required for the most serious form of leptospirosis because the body’s functions will need to be supported until the infection has passed.
